The documentary “Big in Bollywood” follows 27-year-old American-born Omi Vaidya, a struggling actor in Los Angeles, who miraculously lands a dream role in the Bollywood film “3 Idiots”. In the month of January 2010, he went from virtual unknown to household name. Within a week of release, “3 Idiots” skyrockets to box office success, becoming the most successful Indian film in history and transforming Omi into an overnight megastar. He is now instantly recognized across India as the face of “Chatur Ramalingam”, his character from the movie. But being a national sensation in India is not all glitz and glamor.

Growing up in Palm Springs, Omi is by most accounts, very American. Aside from the language barrier, Omi struggles with the pressure of his newly acquired fame and continuing his career momentum while trying to maintain a healthy domestic life back in Los Angeles. His journey from Hollywood to Bollywood is a uniquely contemporary story. Set against the backdrop of Mumbai, Big in Bollywood is a film about what it is to be successful in show business, seen through the eyes of Omi’s best friends, who witness his career transformation firsthand. Never before have these two centers of world cinema been so aware of each other. Indian cinema is beginning to mirror western aesthetics, and Americans are finally becoming aware of Bollywood films.

This documentary came from a meeting of the minds between fellow filmmakers, and a realization that something amazing was about to happen in Mumbai. Omi was describing to the filmmakers how “3 Idiots” was turning out to be the biggest anticipated film of the year in India. And they all looked at each other and realized that they had to go to India and watch this all unfold. Curious to better understand the world of Bollywood, four of Omi’s buddies armed with cameras fly to Mumbai to document his big premiere.

This film is a distinctly 21st century documentary. Shot on five cameras, by five filmmakers in five different video formats, it stands squarely within the avant guarde of contemporary filmmaking. Simply put, this is a film made by and about a group of best friends, and the audience will feel like they’re along for the ride.

Big In Bollywood trailer